Speak Up!
September 8, 2009, 9:40 pm
Posted by Margaret O'Brien Steinfels
Those of you lucky enough to receive First Things in ink will find on the back page of the October issue (not yet on line) an ad “announcing the envoy of the year gala” (being awarded to Archbishop Charles Chaput). You may puzzle at the ad headline:
“Christian voices are far too silent in the public square. Join us as we turn up the volume.”
To this, we can only ask how much louder can it get? Before we are all deafened?
Mrs. S,
I find noise is a good thing. I have it on good authority that if these folks were quieted, the stones would cry out.
Enough said.
The point of the First Thing’s ad is “turn up the volume.” Since the volume from many Christian leaders (including our own) is already high, my question is how high will it go? Volume isn’t everything. Credible authority and intellectual coherence count, do they not?
Some people think volume covers a multitude of deficits. I’m reminded of the story of the preacher who wrote in his sermon’s margin: “Point weak–bang on pulpit!
Exactly!
While it is true that volume does not cover a multitude of deficits, when confronted with the sound of silence or background noise, or interference, it’s time to “turn up the volume” and tune in.
The ‘volume’ that needs to be turned up is not the level of loudness. It’s the number of people involved in the discussion. Many people are told they can’t voice their concerns about the Church. Some walk away to people who will listen. Others stay and just ignore the resounding gongs and clashing cymbals that say the best way is to come to God is to follow rites, rules and regulations cemented in the 16th century.
Here is “volume” with ignorance, fear, anger, etc. In the old days, he would have been immediately exiled to a year long retreat out of the country. His retired bishop, Gracida, has also said almost the same thing – the same bishop who had radio spots during the election cycle telling catholics that a vote for Obama was a mortal sin. His current bishop, past 75, retired but not replaced will do nothing (Carmody).
http://clericalwhispers.blogspot.com/2009/09/priest-infuriated-that-catholic-school.html
First, the healthcare town halls and now the recent fringe reactions to Obama’s school address – I am a proud Texas but these folks make me ashamed for our state.
When in wonder
When in doubt
Run in circles
Scream and shout.
I think that is from the writings of St. Mechtilde of Ubaldigor, who also said:
Cope, don’t mope.